Collaborative Traveling  Project   

# 1 Morristown, NJ

# 2 Philadelphia, PA

# 3 Waterville, ME

# 4 San Francisco, CA

# 5 Fuguay-Varina, NC

Results: Getting the pieces back took some nagging, but they did all return. People were not eager to make any changes to the art, and only 2 included objects to be sewn into the work. But I did gain great insight into the variety of ways that my art is viewed: some people loved their piece, others hated it, many seemed to have difficulty understanding it. As I prepare for an upcoming show, I will try to present the art in a more self-explanatory design.

read below for a description of the project:

At the end of December, 2008, I sent out 5 pieces of art, each created on a vintage, dyed damask napkin. The pieces are in an unmounted, traveling presentation: hung with a rod and wire, and a back section containing pockets and instructions. Basically, the instructions say: 

"You have a piece of my art. Please:             1. Hang it somewhere in your home for a

   month.

2. At the end of the month, lift the flap to find     the 5 small pockets.

3. Please take one pocket form & fill it out.

4. Put the form back in the pocket and pin it

   shut. If you like,  you may also add any

  items  that you want included in the piece.

5. Pass the art along to someone you think

   would enjoy it.

When all 5 pockets are closed, the last person will take the stamped, self-addressed envelope in the large back pocket, fold the art carefully, and send it back to me. I will take the writing and any objects, and use them to ‘stamp’ my art with your thoughts. Everyone who includes an email address in their writing will get a jpeg photo of the finished piece."

Just as collector's seals were added

to ancient Chinese paintings, I hope

to add the comments, images and objects sent back to me to complete these 5 pieces.             

Back with instructions and pockets

This project was inspired by an article in the New York Times magazine, "What is Art For?" which addressed issues of art ownership and copyright. This gives me an opportunity to have my art seen in homes, and will allow me to understand  the relationship between my art and viewers.  

When the pieces return to me, I will detach them from the pocket-backing, incorporate the contributions and stretch them over a fabric-covered frame (like the piece below).